MV Review | Holland "Loved You Better"

 Miranda Rodriquez

First Posted |12/21/19 | 12:50 AM PST

MV Review | Holland "Loved You Better"

Pre-Viewing Thoughts: Before I view  this MV, I'm guessing that this is going to be another one of Holland's more sad songs. Every "I've Loved You Better" song I've ever heard is usually about a breakup. The thumb nail for the video looks kind of . . . deep and makes me think that the lyrics are going to have a lot of deep meaning to it. I also assume that like most of his other songs, this will be more soft and mellow. And of course there's normally a kiss as well. Lets see what's gonna happen.

After Viewing Thoughts: Wow . . . Just wow. Holland does it again. This is so deeply moving I really don't know what to say. One second into the song and you could tell that this was either about a deep heartbreak, or something else deeply meaningful to him. At first when I saw the bruises and scares on his body, I assumed domestic violence, which I have seen first hand with people I knew or have met at my job. As the song progressed and I listened/read the lyrics I quickly realized that this was about being bullied. About him being tormented for what he was.

It shows him in a school, and in a school uniform, giving us a glimpse that he was heavily tormented in either high school, middle school, or both as he learned about himself and his preferences. It shows him standing in front of and looking into a mirror many times, really showing that he is the center of this song, not a past love, or crush. There is even a part where it really hit hard in my heart. He makes a gun shape with his hand and fake shoots himself. Confetti and sparkles them fly out the back of his head. He was under so much pressure and so much stress that suicide had passed his mind. With the recent deaths of Sulli and Gu Hara from suicide, and the anniversary of Jonghyun's suicide, it really hit me hard seeing that, but I think that's the point. He wanted to show his viewers and give an impact of how a lot of people in his situation are treated and how much they have to overcome.

I have to say the ending was my absolute favorite part. They lyrics, the music, the scenes, and him just all melded together so perfectly to show his self love realized. You truly get a sense of "Wish I loved you better" referring to "I wish I loved myself better/I'm going to love myself better". They way he puts on his make-up and gets dressed up, dances around and smiles at the camera like a relief to finally show himself is perfect. There's no other word to describe it but perfect!

It is really amazing to finally see an out Kpop star representing the LGBTQ+ world so openly. There are such themes in Kpop MV's and even drama's, however they are either seldom done, jokes, or very light as not to push to far. Holland is breaking down the walls of a lot of South Korea's anti-progressive view points.

Side note: I have now confirmed something in my head I had only assumed before . . .

MV Review | VAV "Give Me More" ft. De La Ghetto & Play-NSkillz

 Miranda Rodriquez

First Posted | 7/24/19 | 3:30 AM PST

MV Review | VAV "Give Me More" ft. De La Ghetto & Play-N-Skillz

Before Watching: Before watching the MV I am expecting an upbeat type song with a little soul. When I think of "Give Me More," I think of love, friendship, attention, etc. I still don't know much about the members, and I don't have all of them memorized by heart. Though I did love their song "Senorita."

Music & Lyrics: The song itself was what I expected. It was nice and upbeat with some soul embedded into it. There was yet another guitar strumming opening in this one. I wasn't expecting the same feel as Senorita before I started playing this, but I was pleasantly surprised. Senorita is still my favorite however. In comparison, this song felt as if it fell a little short. I loved the mix of English and Spanish music and lyrics. And the rap line was spot on perfect! The ft. artist break was a fun English spin on it as well.

Video: The video was nice to watch. Very colorful but not bright throughout the entire thing. There were tan colors/duller colors which I really liked. It made the brighter colors pop out a lot more. Especially the yellows and the pinks. I loved the use of CGI and light strokes. And any video with pineapple makes me happy! And the use of the colorful tattoos was a nice touch to me. I have to say that the thing I am most disappointed in concerning visuals/the MV is the choice of fashion. While there were outfits I really liked, the combinations just seemed to counter each other too much. And I felt as though they could have found better outfits for the black light to make the neon pop out more. I wouldn't use black light to accentuate neon colors unless each member had a prominent neon color/item that would be exposed, as well as the actual set had at least several items that would glow as well. And although they had colors that could have potentially been used with the black light, they had the regular colored lights in the back that kind of countered the black light. [If you can't tell, I'm a sucker for neon/black lights]

Choreography: I really enjoyed the choreography for this one compared to some of their other MV's. I felt as though the post-chorus dance break choreography was perfect and just what they needed. However, I was disappointed at the choreography for the actual chorus. It almost seemed as if they had something better planned, but had to ease it down. I noticed that the members seems out of sync most of the time. Not just in this MV but in others too. It's subtle, but I catch off beat movements both fast and slow to the point that I can’t tell which of them if any are actually on count. Or they don't quite all make hit points. That being said, the boys look like they're having so much fun that it can be easy to block out. Their smiles seem genuine, and the dancing seems fun anyways.

Final thoughts: The overall video was nice. Not something I would find myself watching over and over again besides review purposes, but I can definitely see myself downloading this song. It's a nice party type song or on the go/workout song. Makes you want to dance and smile. Hair and make-up was a really nice and interesting choice, but I still think they might need a new clothing stylist.

MV Review | NCT 127 "Superhuman"

Miranda Rodriquez

First Posted | 5/29/19 | 2:20 AM PST

MV Review | NCT 127 "Superhuman"

Before Thoughts: Before I start watching this MV, I'm thinking about EXO's "Power", and wondering if this is going to be something similar. Judging from the screen pause though, it seems like it's going to be more opposite of that. Less up beat and playful, maybe more dark and tragic. I expect to see superhuman abilities or at least the concept of a super human person. My guess is that the choreography will be more power less softness. Lets see if I am right!

After Thoughts: I was right and wrong! This video had a robotic style of a super human, not a superhuman with supernatural powers. It was a lot darker than "Power," but it had nice vocals that seemed contrasting which I loved. It wasn't really tragic, but it was as dark feeling as I expected. The choreography was very precise from what I could see, though I could not see much. I did feel as though the dark overtone with electric static was a bit over-used. There are many different effects they could have used that would have complimented the video without it seeming as though it's repeating constantly. My mind kept being thrown back to EXO's Overdose beginning while watching this. I also kept being reminded of Tron, the movie or IRobot. I would have loved to see more robotic style clothes, or eye contacts. I also felt as though the facial expressions did not really fit the lyrics to the song. More smirks or half smiles - not full smiles- would have made the feel match a little better. They just seemed as though most of them were trying to be cold machines. I mean I get it. Cold machine matches the MV concept, but I think the lyrics lost their meaning when combined together with the visuals. Separate the song and MV are both great, combined, they just don't seem to compliment each other. I do love when they show a more angry expression, like determination. I felt it went well with both the lyrics and the MV itself.

Overall: As I stated just above, I think the song and MV are both amazing, but they just don't compliment each other as well as I had hoped. I would have liked to see more facial expressions to compliment the video. Such as determination, egotistical, and maybe some expressions of doubt. Less coldness an emotionless parts. Absolutely no full smiles though. That would ruin it I think. I'd really like to see a live action version of this, as often times I found that live performance versions allow they artists to change their facial expressions to better fit the mood of the song. I probably would not promote the video of this, however, I did enjoy the song immensely.

MV Review | AB6IX "Breathe"

Miranda Rodriquez

First Posted | 5/29/19 | 12:05 AM PST

MV Review | AB6IX "Breathe"

Pre-Thoughts: Before I start to play this MV, I keep thinking about Daehwi. As my bias, he's who I am most excited to see, though I really like Woong as well. I can't wait to see the choreography as I have the video paused at the beginning, and they are all lined up. I really like the blue hue. With blue being my favorite color, I get really excited when I see blue lighting like this, or especially when an artists hair is blue. I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of how the MV will play out, though I don't really think it will be flashy. More suave and intense maybe. Lets see if I am right.

After Thoughts: My predictions were correct, yay! I really liked the MV and Performance MV. And of course the first actual sound out of their mouths was a deep breath. Kekekeke. I would have been shocked otherwise. Woojin's deep voice when he raps gets me every time. Though I wish there was less scene flashing whenever he's center. I'd like to see his emotions more as well. He always seems to turn away or look uninterested to me. Though I know that’s just his style, it makes me feel like he is avoiding the camera on purpose. Woong's voice is so sweet, and Daehwi's voice when he sings melts my heart. And when he sings in English I just straight up fangirl squeal. The smoke everywhere kind of made me like this MV less though. I mean, with a MV called "Breathe" you'd expect smoke or fog, but it just seemed overpowering to me. Made me think more of loss of breath or no breath at all. I mean if they had secluded the fog to certain parts instead of having it through 90% of the entire video, I think the meaning would have gotten through better. Like for example during, "The hazy sky that blocks my views is lazy like me. It's hard to breathe standing alone," they have the thick fog, and it fits so perfectly. But in other parts I feel like they should have had les fog. Not so think to where the message looses its meaning.

Because I couldn't see much of the choreography in the MV, I decided to watch the performance version as well. I did however enjoy the water dance section of the original MV. I always love those cuts. Though I did notice some inconsistencies that bothered me a little when I finally did watch the performance version. Mainly moves or placements that were not universal, or done by only one members that made them stand out. This made them seem like they were off beat or doing something wrong during those parts. At one point I even paused the video and had to back track. I played it in slow-motion just to make sure I wasn't viewing things wrong.

Overall: Not the best music video, though the song was amazing! Choreography could use fine tuning, but was fun to watch. The vocals and the rapping were spot on, and this is definitely something I'd find myself playing over and over again, though I would probably stick to the audio version only, and not really watch the MV's as I found the over-use of smoke and rapid quick cuts made them unappealing. I probably wouldn't have non-Kpop friends watch the MV either, just listen to the song, or maybe find a live performance version.




                                                       Performance MV

MV Review | TXT "Cat & Dog" Official MV

Miranda Rodriquez
First Posted | 4/25/19 | 3:05 AM PST

MV Review | TXT "Cat & Dog" Official MV

Pre-Viewing Thoughts: This is going to be cutesy and adorable isn't it? BigHit is just trying to make us go AWE (insert head tilt). From the photo preview, I should expect costumes. I think this is going to be very up beat and fun.

During Viewing: Bwahahahaha!!! The first thing they do is a head/body tilt!!! Dying of laughter after 3 seconds!

They look like puppys running to see their master when they all rush to the circle window. And kittens when they start the choreography. The cat ears/horn looking hat is not easily missed.

Honestly wasn't expecting the english and deep voice to start this out. Choreo is very much cutesy though. Was NOT expecting a tough/cute vibe that somehow goes together. This is somehow showing a much more mature feel to them than what I was expecting. But still kid-like with the small cat clawing gestures.

So far I'm liking the cat and dog toys they keep playing with. I wanna put these boys in my pocket! So cute! Huening Kai looks like a baby compared to the others though. I wanna rip off that oddly placed pack . . . Wait a second . . . Are they all in a moving bed together? . . . Yes, they are . . . and it's somewhere else too while they're passed out . . . What?

I am in love with this choreo. You can tell it must have taken a while to get perfect.

Ok . . . Has anyone seen Hotel Transylvania 3? Who else keeps picturing that boy that Dracula made think was a "kitty cat" on the train?

And now it's in a room and they are all passed out like angels. I wonder who closed the door/why they had a closing door sound. Only two members seemed to notice.

Now Lyrics!

"Pop Corn Sex. It's Hot n' Fresh"

*** NOT LYRICS OMFG!!! I just replayed to watch the video with lyrics and the popcorn machine says "Pop Corn Sex. It's Hot n' Fresh." Like WTF?! O.O ***

At lyrics now and . . . Yeah . . . Why do they pile up at "Make room for me" . . . I mean I know why but . . . Why? 

Lyrics are cute, but I must bee seeing a double meaning to a few things that I shouldn't. Blame the popcorn!

I was expecting the basic lyrics though. Not expecting "purr" or to hear them barking in all honesty. I didn't see how either would fit, but it had crossed my mind.

Final thoughts: The maturity in their voices and the lyrics go perfectly hand in hand while their choreo and lyrics also show their kid sides. I love that we can see more of them out and about, and their different styles, however, I am still not seeing a huge difference between them all as I was lead to believe when BigHit made statements about them. I also found a few lewd type things with the lyrics that make me feel very bad and kind of . . . Awkward. I read a few comments that people seem to think the same, but dang I was not expecting that. I am still learning the members, and I keep calling Huening Kai just plain Kai, which reminds me of Kai of EXO, but I like the contrast. My favorite member so far is undecided at the moment, but I keep noticing Soobin. I can't wait to see more of TXT and their different styles. I REALLY want a BTS collaboration too. Like TXT is light and BTS is darker. Kind of like innocent to full grown adult that knows more about the world type feel. Or just a collaboration in general.

Had to share this funny comment I found on the MV that perfectly shows interaction between kpopper and non-kpopper

MV Review | BTS "Boy With Luv" Official MV

Miranda Rodriquez
First Posted |4/12/19 | 3:08 AM PST

My first reaction was to awe at the pink robe outfits the boys wore, however that quickly turned into an uncontrollable blush. I knew at the very start of this MV that this wasn't exactly like their past MV's. And V was the forerunner of this soon to be escalation of squeals and blushes.

BTS has always been/had sexy moments in their MV's, but have yet to have a full on sexy/flirty concept MV. This is NOT including their obvious stages which include beds or soaked clothing. You can say that "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" was a sexy concept MV, and you'd be right! However there were still many parts where the boys pushed that back and let other emotions punch through.

However, in the first few seconds of this MV, I knew that something seemed different. Instead of starting with a smirk or a serious stare, we were greeted by their backs as the music started. I frowned and questioned why they would start in that kind of formation with such a slow tempo. I was soon answered as the camera zoomed in on them, centering on V as he (RM and Jin blurred in the background) turned to face the camera. And as I admired his blue hair, I was shocked by V seductively licking his lips as he stared directly into the camera!

Jimin soon takes center as his vocals ask "hows your day" as he smiles and smirks that way he does. His dancing is very flowy and smooth as though he's showing off his body. Not abnormal, though seeming more flirty than normal MV's. With a switch back to V and a few deep vocal lines, we get yet another lip lick as the boys dance together behind him. I almost didn't notice the hip thrusts all the boys did as Jin took center and blurred the boys behind him, followed by their normal spazzy dancing whenever they do lighter tracks.

A few transitional lines later with Jungkook, and the chorus hits with the boys jumping in the air. J-Hope derping as normal. There are so many stares into the camera as the boys move from background to background, each one staring into my soul. Pink, orange/yellow, and blue so far have been shown as main colors, not as much purple or green as I thought. Though I knew long ago pink would be the main color here.

Suga's spotlight is next with a light rap with some off-synced shots, but you don't really care because his smile is so bright and pure!

Pure white is ironically the next color as J-Hope takes center. Though that quickly goes away as it transfers to a darker background and back to V as center, though the boys are still in white.

Halsey jumps into the frame, dancing and singing with the boys on screen. I like the higher background tone she brings to it, but I wish this was a true collaboration with a small solo from her.

RM is next up with the catchy line translated to English as "I'll speak very frankly, sometimes I was a little stuck up." With a quick shot to the boys who each had a different expression to his confession. Mostly a sense of disbelief of the confession as well as a "you think?" attitude.

Throughout the MV there were lyrical references to past albums, most notably Wings. During RM's part and until the end, there were neon signs that read "Wings," "Young Forever," "2 cool 4 school," "Answer," "Love Yourself," "Persona," and "Never Walk Alone." I love the references and how they always tie everything together, truly making it their own special world.

I couldn't stop thinking about TXT and how this very pink and  sweet song (not including the seduction) fit with them so well. While BTS has a more mature tone and style, I would have loved to see TXT do a rendition that was pure and sweet.

My final thoughts were that this was a very flirty free song that had to do with a pure love and caring nature of one loved one to another. The seduction added maturity and heart attack moments, and ended with an "Idol" feel as BTS and other dancers swung back and forth to the final counts. Ending with the boys yelling out the name of the title track. In all, this was by far, the sweetest love song BTS song they have ever released.